Computer Memory Installation and Upgrade Guide

The cheapest easiest way to improve the performance of any computer is to upgrade the memory or RAM of the computer. The amount of RAM, or random access memory, affects a computers ability to do immediate tasks, like rotating an image in a program like Photoshop.

More and more, computer retailers are realizing that this is the one upgrade that the casual computer user will actual do. A desktop model of any computer line boasts the fact that almost any component can be upgraded, from memory to processor. The fact is that most towers are not upgraded. Laptops, cheap laptops, and all-in-ones, like the Apple iMac, are geared towards this fact, with most components being more difficult to switch but computer memory being very simple to add.

The first thing you will want to figure out is how much computer memory you will need. If you are doing anything with video, it is wise to simply find out how much computer memory your computer can take and put in the maximum amount. Most computer memory retailers will be able to easily tell you this amount when you supply your computer model. If you are doing image editing, find your average file size and make sure you have at least three times as much computer memory available.

While computer retailers can supply additional computer memory at the time of a computers purchase, it is generally overpriced. Visit on-line retailers and local stores to find a third party brand that will generally be a third of the price of name brand computer memory.

With your new RAM in hand, read your computer manual on how to open up your computer to install the memory. Newer computers, like the iMac, have a very easy to open panel at the bottom of the computer that can be accessed by putting the computer face down on a flat service. A key point here is once you take the computer memory out of the the protective package, be sure to avoid any static charge which will ruin your memory.

Simply restart your computer and enjoy your faster computer.